Entry level jobs for the Social Welfare sector

Post purpose

We are seeking an enthusiastic and organised Carer Voice and Engagement Officer to join our team at The Carers' Centre.

This rewarding role will help ensure that unpaid carers have opportunities to share their experiences, influence local services and see the impact of their involvement. Working with adult carers, young carers and young adult carers, you will coordinate participation activities that are welcoming, meaningful and inclusive.

You will build relationships with carers, colleagues and partner organisations, creating opportunities for carers to shape services, raise awareness and contribute to positive change. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys connecting people, supporting others to build confidence and ensuring lived experience helps drive improvement.

By ensuring participation is inclusive, well organised and genuinely influential, you will help strengthen the voice of carers across Bath and North East Somerset while contributing to the continued development of The Carers' Centre and the wider caring community.

Key responsibilities

Carer Voice and Participation

• Coordinate and support Carers Voice, Young Carers Council and other participation forums.
• Assist in the delivery of age-appropriate engagement activities that build confidence and participation skills.
• Encourage carers from diverse backgrounds to share their experiences and influence services.
• Ensure carers receive feedback about how their involvement has made a difference.
• Support carers to participate in service improvement, consultations and decision-making opportunities.
• Promote meaningful and inclusive involvement across all services.

Engagement and Community Connection

• Build positive relationships with carers, partners and community organisations.
• Coordinate requests for carer involvement from local services and partner organisations.
• Support carers to represent lived experience within local groups, networks and projects.
• Work with colleagues to create accessible and welcoming opportunities for involvement.
• Promote the value and impact of unpaid carers across Bath and North East Somerset.

Communications and Development

• Coordinate participation communications, updates and engagement opportunities.
• Develop positive working relationships with local organisations, community groups, statutory services and partner agencies.
• Support carers to build confidence and develop skills through training and lived experience opportunities.
• Work with colleagues to promote participation and celebrate the difference carers make.
• Encourage involvement from carers who may not traditionally engage with services.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Impact

• Maintain accurate and timely records of all interactions and support provided.
• Collect monitoring data, feedback and outcome information in line with organisational requirements.
• Support the delivery of programme evaluation activities.
• Utilise organisational systems, including Salesforce, to record activity and outcomes.

General

• Adhere to the Carers’ Charter and provide a professional carer-focused information, advice and support service.
• Encourage carers to provide feedback on The Carers’ Centre services and actively participate in shaping future delivery.
• Undertake safeguarding training, adhere to organisational safeguarding policies and follow all safeguarding procedures.
• Take responsibility for ensuring communications and record keeping comply with GDPR and data protection requirements.
• Ensure that you adopt good practice within the Carers Trust network.
• Ensure that you work within The Carers’ Centre policy framework.
• Recognise the importance of fundraising and positively contribute to organisational sustainability where appropriate.
• Undertake any other duties, in consultation with your line manager, as are consistent with the responsibilities of this post.

Are you someone who thrives on making a genuine difference to people’s lives? Do you have experience working in health, social care or the voluntary sector and want to play a vital role in improving how older people access the support they need? If so, we would love to hear from you.

Age UK Bromley & Greenwich is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Care Navigator to join our expanding team in partnership with Oxleas NHS Trust. Based at Memorial Hospital in Woolwich, you will be embedded within a multi-disciplinary team working on the Proactive and Frailty pathways. Your focus will be on supporting older people with complex needs, helping them navigate health and social care systems, and connecting them to relevant services across the community.

This is a key role that sits at the heart of person-centred care. You will attend multi-disciplinary team meetings, work alongside professionals including GPs, case managers and mental health staff, and spend time speaking directly with patients and their families. Your role will be to truly listen, identify what matters most to the individual, and help them take practical steps towards better health, independence and wellbeing.

Key responsibilities include:

• Attending Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings and contributing to holistic care planning

• Working with patients to understand their needs, provide emotional support and signpost to local services

• Liaising with a wide range of professionals across the NHS, social care and voluntary sectors

• Inputting information into systems including RIO and Framework I, with training provided

• Keeping accurate records and contributing to service evaluation and improvement

We are looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in health, social care or voluntary sector settings

• Empathetic and a confident communicator

• Able to build strong relationships with a range of professionals and clients

• Organised, reliable and motivated by positive outcomes for others

• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team

• Passionate about supporting older people to live well and with dignity

This role offers the opportunity to be part of a well-respected local charity with a strong values-led culture. You will be joining a supportive team that values collaboration, creativity and kindness. As a Care Navigator, your work will have a direct impact on people’s lives at a time when they are most vulnerable.

For the full person spec and job description please download the job pack.

We are recruiting for two Refuge Workers to join our team in Westminster; the scope on this job involves….

Job Title: Refuge Worker

Location: Westminster
Salary: £29,701.36 per annum
Contract type: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5

We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality,
diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a
positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Refuge Worker to provide high quality
practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic abuse and their children
living in our refuges.

As part of this role, you will be required to participate
in an out-of-hours on call rota.

Refuge workers are required to be on site during working hours, so a hybrid working pattern is not available for this role.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing date: 9.00am on 14 September 2026

Interview date: 29 September 2026

Benefits

Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.

We are recruiting for a Refuge Worker to join our team in Westminster; the scope on this job involves….

Job Title: Refuge Worker

Location: Westminster
Salary: £29,701.36 per annum
Contract type: Full-time, Fixed term (until 31 March 2027 with a possibility of extension)

Hours: 37.5

We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality,
diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a
positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Refuge Worker to provide high quality
practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic abuse and their children
living in our refuges.

As part of this role, you will be required to participate
in an out-of-hours on call rota.

Refuge workers are required to be on site during working hours, so a hybrid working pattern is not available for this role.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing date: 9.00am on 14 September 2026

Interview date: 29 September 2026

Benefits

Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.

Terms and Conditions

Job title: Advocate (Prison)

Reports to: Service Manager (Prison)

Direct reports: N/A

Start date: To be confirmed once vetting has been cleared

Salary: 31,173 per annum (inclusive of £3,990 Southeast weighting) 

Working hours: Full time – 35 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Location: HMP Bronzefield

Job Purpose

Women in Prison’s South London Women’s Hubs provide support and advocacy to women at different points of the criminal justice system – whether they are at risk of offending, serving a community sentence, or in custody and leaving prison. The primary purpose of this role is to work with women in custody, including on remand, offering support to prepare for release and connect them with vital community support services prior to and on release from prison.   

Key Responsibility Areas

1. Provide high-quality, trauma-responsive advocacy one to one and group support in prison, to women on remand in HMP Bronzefield, HMP Downview and HMP Send 
2. Development and maintenance of professional relations in prison and the community 
3. Ensure clear, timely and effective communication and record keeping 
4. Proactively seek to develop your personal and professional practice, and contribute to wider organisational development 
5. Contribute to building a feminist leadership culture and positive working environment for Women in Prison 

Please download recruitment pack for the full job description

Age UK Croydon is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Senior Project Officer to help guide our Healthy Lifestyles Service. Our Healthy Lifestyles Service delivers a range of activities including seated and standing exercise programmes, health checks, social engagement opportunities, health hubs and Memory Tree Cafés for people living with dementia and their carers. Services are delivered across community venues and care homes throughout Croydon.

About the Role

As Senior Project Officer, you will play a key role in coordinating and delivering health and wellbeing activities while supporting the Healthy Lifestyles Service Manager to supervise staff and volunteers.

You will (duties to include but not limited to)  .

• Supervise two Project Officers and support volunteers.
• Deliver seated and standing exercise sessions that improve mobility, strength and balance.
• Build strong partnerships with care homes, community venues and health organisations.
• This list is not exhaustive

About You

We are looking for someone who is energetic, approachable and committed to supporting older people to live healthier, more connected lives.  

You will have:

• A Level 3 GP Exercise Referral qualification, Otago Exercise Programme qualification and/or equivalent.
• Experience of monitoring projects and reporting on outcomes and performance.
• Knowledge of the health and social care sector
• Strong communication, organisational and administrative skills
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and database systems.
• Experience or qualifications in health promotion, nutrition, health checks, chair-based exercise or group exercise delivery.
• Experience of risk assessment and health and safety management.  

Closing date for applications: 9am, 7th September 2026

Interview Dates: 16th September and 17th September 2026

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check

Join Age UK Croydon and help older people remain independent, connected and well within their community. We are looking for a Personal Independence Coordinator to support individuals over 50 across Croydon to maintain their independence, improve wellbeing and access health, social care and community services. Working alongside NHS, GP and social care teams, you will provide person-centred support to older people, helping them identify wellbeing needs, access local services, reduce social isolation and navigate health and care systems.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with experience in health, social care, community development, support work, advocacy, social prescribing or care coordination, but we welcome applications from a variety of professional backgrounds.

Full training will be provided; the important qualities we are looking for are:

· Excellent communication and listening skills

· A positive attitude and the ability to problem solve

· A cheerful, friendly, outgoing personality

· Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities

· The ability to work flexibly, alone and as part of a team.

We are committed to providing a flexible and productive working environment for all employees. Evolving technology and communication platforms enable employees to work in new and different ways, where we can meet our stakeholder needs and continue to deliver against our charitable objectives. We recognise the importance of supporting employees to have greater personal choice and maintain a healthier work/life balance.

Closing date for applications: 9am, 14th September 2026

Interview Dates: 18th September 2026

Centre & Volunteer Supervisor (Driving Licence Required) 

Important Note: Only CVs accompanied with a covering letter will be considered. 

Job Description

Report to: Head of Food Distribution and Volunteering

Responsible for: Leading the food distribution service and quality assurance at Hackney Foodbank’s allocated Food Distribution Centres located across the borough of Hackney. This includes ensuring all our visitors have a positive experience when collecting their food parcels and are signposted to other provisions appropriately; being responsible for directing the volunteers; Overseeing Health and Safety, and promoting best practice at each centre. This role will also involve administrative tasks, organising and carrying out home deliveries for visitors, inputting data on visitors’ journeys accurately into a database, driving the Hackney Giving Van or a Luton van to the various Distribution Centres.

Part-time: 25 hours per week, some evening work is required

Salary: £32,000 per year (pro-rata for 25 hours per week)

Compulsory: Must have a UK manual driving licence

Specific responsibilities:

· Attend Hackney Foodbank’s Food Distribution Centres to ensure each Centre is run in accordance with HFB’s best practice procedures.

· Treat visitors to the Food Distribution Centres with the utmost respect

· Work with volunteers to ensure a safe and efficient setup, including H&S responsibilities

· Manage all volunteers on site delivering services

· Ensure effective data capture and input onto the system

· Work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure relevant and up-to-date signposting partnerships and referral systems are working efficiently

· Confident in responding to telephone and email inquiries from referral agencies and visitors

· Manage system for home deliveries for visitors who have access issues

Person Specification

Essential:

· Knowledge or experience working or volunteering with adults in crisis, understanding the importance of treating people with dignity and compassion

· Knowledge or experience working or volunteering with support services

· Knowledge or experience of coordinating volunteers

· Ability to work in a team

· Ability to keep a calm head in stressful situations

· Organised and able to manage own workload

· Good administrative skills and attention to detail

· Excellent communication skills, in person, on the telephone and in writing

· Ability to absorb information and relay it to a diverse range of individuals

· Competency in Microsoft Office packages (Excel, Outlook, Word)

· Ability to work with people from disadvantaged, marginalised, or socially excluded backgrounds

· Full UK manual driving licence and good driving experience

· Ability to be flexible in terms of working times and duties

Desirable:

· Safeguarding experience

· H&S Certified

· 1stAid Trained

· Fire Marshall Trained

· Experience of driving a Luton van

· Experience of driving an electric vehicle

Please note: We will be continuously interviewing, so please apply quickly as this opportunity may close early if a suitable hire is found.

Shaftesbury is a national disability charity that supports more than 4,000 children, young people and adults with a disability every year to live a life that truly adds up for them. That is at the heart of everything they do.

Their vision ‘all together better for disability’, is about working alongside the people they support so they can participate, contribute and be valued for who they are.

Their work is spearheaded by 1,500+ dedicated staff and volunteers who deliver a wide range of disability care, special education and rehabilitation services across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, around the clock. 

To achieve their vision, they are looking for an Individual Giving Manager with a focus on acquisition to work alongside the Head of Individual Giving across regular gifts, appeals, lottery, raffle and other new products.

The Individual Giving Manager drives the recruitment of new supporters and supports the stewardship of warm audience, generating sustainable income for Shaftesbury. The proportion of acquisition focus v retention focus is likely around 70/30. 

This role focuses on maximising long-term value through innovative and impactful multichannel campaigns including reactivating lapsed supporters, optimising supporter conversion and delivering engaging onboarding experiences. The Individual Giving Manager will work on growing regular giving, cash and gaming pipelines and manage exciting projects which could include digital, DRTV, face-to- face, telemarketing, direct mail and radio. The role will provide assistance to the Head of Individual Giving with all retention activity, including cash appeals and newsletters. 

Shaftesbury is happy to consider fundraiser or officer level candidates looking to step up into their first manager level role. At present this role doesn’t line manage, so management experience is not necessary. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate project or product management skills, an enthusiasm for fundraising, familiarity with supporter journeys, creative thinking and will have experience within a UK based charity in either IG and legacies, community fundraising, corporate or philanthropy.

This role is hybrid, with 4 days per month on average at either the Gateshead office or London office. The one role is being advertised twice to ensure candidates from both geographic locations see the role within their search remit and feel able to apply. 

Application notes 

Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.

To express interest, please contact THINK Recruitment using the information in the Candidate Pack to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot progress candidates through to longlist without speaking with them, so please ensure you leave enough time to organise a screening call before the role closes. Following your call we will share the info needed to submit a full application. 

If you need assistance with downloading the pack, please send an email to THINK and our team will support you.

Deadline for expressions of interest: Midnight Sunday 13th September

Closing date for applications: Midnight Monday 14th September

Shaftesbury is a national disability charity that supports more than 4,000 children, young people and adults with a disability every year to live a life that truly adds up for them. That is at the heart of everything they do.

Their vision ‘all together better for disability’, is about working alongside the people they support so they can participate, contribute and be valued for who they are.

Their work is spearheaded by 1,500+ dedicated staff and volunteers who deliver a wide range of disability care, special education and rehabilitation services across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, around the clock. 

To achieve their vision, they are looking for an Individual Giving Manager with a focus on acquisition to work alongside the Head of Individual Giving across regular gifts, appeals, lottery, raffle and other new products.

The Individual Giving Manager drives the recruitment of new supporters and supports the stewardship of warm audience, generating sustainable income for Shaftesbury. The proportion of acquisition focus v retention focus is likely around 70/30. 

This role focuses on maximising long-term value through innovative and impactful multichannel campaigns including reactivating lapsed supporters, optimising supporter conversion and delivering engaging onboarding experiences. The Individual Giving Manager will work on growing regular giving, cash and gaming pipelines and manage exciting projects which could include digital, DRTV, face-to- face, telemarketing, direct mail and radio. The role will provide assistance to the Head of Individual Giving with all retention activity, including cash appeals and newsletters. 

Shaftesbury is happy to consider fundraiser or officer level candidates looking to step up into their first manager level role. At present this role doesn’t line manage, so management experience is not necessary. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate project or product management skills, an enthusiasm for fundraising, familiarity with supporter journeys, creative thinking and will have experience within a UK based charity in either IG and legacies, community fundraising, corporate or philanthropy.

This role is hybrid, with 4 days per month on average at either the Gateshead office or London office. The one role is being advertised twice to ensure candidates from both geographic locations see the role within their search remit and feel able to apply. 

Application notes 

Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.

To express interest, please contact THINK Recruitment using the information in the Candidate Pack to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot progress candidates through to longlist without speaking with them, so please ensure you leave enough time to organise a screening call before the role closes. Following your call we will share the info needed to submit a full application. 

If you need assistance with downloading the pack, please send an email to THINK and our team will support you.

Deadline for expressions of interest: Midnight Sunday 13th September

Closing date for applications: Midnight Monday 14th September

Job Title: Independent Domestic Violence Advocate - Permanent 

Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £26,701.36per annum 
Contract type: Full Time, Permanent 

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic violence.

We are looking for a skilled, values driven IDVA who is committed to challenging inequality, reducing harm, and improving safety for adults and children affected by domestic abuse. You will bring relevant professional experience, strong skills in assessment, engagement, safety planning and communication, and the ability to work safely in complex and high risk situations. We are seeking people who can hold clear boundaries and accountability while offering empathy, curiosity and respect. You will work in a trauma informed, survivor centred and strengths based way, recognising each survivor as the expert in their own life. You will understand how gendered power, oppression and structural barriers shape survivors’ experiences, and you will be confident applying these principles in your practice.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies. 

Closing Date: 09:00am 16 September 2026

Interview Date: 23 September 2026

About Pecan
Pecan tackles poverty in Southwark by restoring dignity, belonging and hope through connected community services that address food insecurity, unemployment and isolation. From food banks and employment support to welcoming community spaces, we combine practical help with emotional and community care, helping people regain confidence, feel hopeful and believe in their potential.

About The Role

The Food Bank Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day coordination and delivery of Southwark Foodbank, ensuring people experiencing financial hardship can access emergency food with dignity, compassion and respect.

The postholder will coordinate Foodbank sessions, support volunteers, maintain effective operational systems and build positive relationships with clients, referral agencies and community partners. Working closely with the Manager: Financial Resilience & Food Security, they will ensure the Foodbank operates safely, efficiently and to a consistently high standard.

Main Responsibilities:

• Foodbank Operations: Coordinate the day-to-day delivery of Southwark Foodbank sessions, ensuring they are well organised, welcoming and responsive to local needs. Prepare Foodbank sessions by ensuring food, equipment, resources and information are available where required. 

• Volunteer Coordination: Coordinate and support volunteers during Foodbank sessions, ensuring they feel confident, informed and valued. Act as a first point of contact for volunteer enquiries and support volunteer induction and ongoing engagement.

• Client Support & Community Engagement: Provide a welcoming, inclusive and compassionate environment for everyone accessing the Foodbank. Respond to enquiries from clients, referral agencies, supporters and community organisations in a professional and timely manner. 

• Administration, Compliance & Quality: Maintain accurate client, volunteer and service records using organisational databases and systems. Support monitoring, reporting and data collection to demonstrate service performance and impact.

• Cross-Service Collaboration: Work collaboratively with colleagues across Pecan's Food Security services to ensure joined-up support for residents. Provide operational support to Peckham Pantry and other food resilience initiatives during periods of increased demand, staff absence or changing organisational priorities. 

Essential Requirements 

• Experience coordinating or delivering community, customer-facing or volunteer-led services.
• Experience working with volunteers or supporting volunteer teams. 
• Strong organisational and administrative skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a busy operational environment. 
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. 
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and database systems. 
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively within a team. 
• Commitment to treating everyone with dignity, compassion and respect. 
• Commitment to Pecan's mission, values and Christian ethos. 

Desirable knowledge/expertise

• Experience within the voluntary or community sector. 
• Experience supporting people experiencing poverty, financial hardship or social disadvatage. 
• Knowledge of safeguarding, food hygiene and health and safety requirements. 
• Experience maintaining monitoring information and service records. 
• Full UK driving licence. 

Please read the Job Description for more information.

Closing Date: Thursday 3rd September 2026, 9am 

Interview Date: Week commencing Monday 7th September 2026, Details TBC 

Start Date: ASAP

About Pecan
Pecan tackles poverty in Southwark by restoring dignity, belonging and hope through connected community services that address food insecurity, unemployment and isolation. From food banks and employment support to welcoming community spaces, we combine practical help with emotional and community care, helping people regain confidence, feel hopeful and believe in their potential.

About The Role
At Pecan, we believe everyone should be able to access food with dignity. We're looking for a reliable, practical and flexible Van Driver to support our Food Security services as and when needed.

You'll help collect and deliver food across Southwark, load and unload donations, support warehouse operations and help ensure our Foodbank and Pantry services have everything they need to support local people. You'll drive the organisation’s van safely and reliably, following all road safety and vehicle procedures.

Requirements
We're looking for someone:

• With a full UK driving licence and no outstanding points or convictions
• Aged 21+ (this is a requirement of our insurance policy)
• Confident driving a transit-sized van
• Able to navigate across the borough and neighbouring boroughs
• Able to lift a minimum of 25kg and willing to get stuck in with physical tasks
• Reliable and punctual, with the ability to meet agreed timings
• Organised and easy to communicate with
• Able to independently charge the electric van using the company card 

Please read the Job Description for more information.

Closing Date: Thursday 3rd September 2026, 9am 

Interview Date: Week commencing Monday 7th September 2026, Details TBC 

Start Date: ASAP

ave you been affected by hepatitis B? Could you use your experience to help others?

We are looking for someone with excellent engagement skills, real drive and a passion for helping others to deliver a flagship new health service in North East London. You will use your own experience of hepatitis B to help others access the information, testing, treatment and care they need.

You will:

• Establish strong relationships with health and community service colleagues.
• Build strong working relationships with communities from areas where hepatitis B is common, such as South Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Eastern Europe.
• Recruit and develop a network of enthusiastic and well-supported volunteers.

Your role will involve patient outreach and engagement, organising and delivering events in community settings and building partnerships with community organisations. This is a frontline role requiring excellent communication and organisational skills. Creativity and innovation welcome!

12-month contract (with possible extension).

Salary: £28,860